The Dodgers Lead the Freeman World Series
It’s called the “Fall Classic” but it has been taken over by Freddie Freeman, the crafty veteran has homered in every, game thus far The heroics began in game one when he went to “RIP CITY” with a 412-foot shot, Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history with two outs in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles DODGERS to a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic opener Friday night. Hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, Freeman homered on the first pitch he saw — an inside fastball from Nestor Cortes— and raised his bat high before beginning his trot as the sellout crowd of 52,394 went nuts.
The shot appeared to last for a while as it was announced throughout High School football Stadiums in SoCal. “The DODGERS win after 6-3 as Freddy Freeman just hit a grand slam in the tenth inning,” said the announcer at Migual Contreras High School. Located just down the street from DODGER Stadium,
In this much-hyped, star-studded World Series between two of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises, Game 1 certainly delivered. Here are the best reactions to Freeman’s historic grand slam on social media.
Freddie Freeman with the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history to carry us to a 1-0 start! Wow!! That was one of the most exciting World Series games I’ve seen or been a part of! It left me breathless, and it was just Game 1! Stated Magic Johnson on X GAME 2 saw The Dodgers overpower the Yankees, 4-2 , and go up 2-0. in the series. They appeared to be confident they would return back to Los Angeles from New York with a World Series trophy in their luggage.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto completely stifled the Yankees, giving up just one hit in 6⅓ shutout innings, his longest outing since June 7 when he pitched seven shutout innings against these same Yankees.
The only mistake he made was trying to sneak a fastball by Juan Soto in the third inning, which ended up going 386 feet into the Yankees’ bullpen. Yamamoto left to a raucous standing ovation by the crowd of 52,725.
The outing was even more painful for the Yankees considering they were one of the finalists for Yamamoto’s services when he left Japan last winter, only to be outbid by the Dodgers’ 12-year, $325 million offer.
Even Aaron Judge and Soto, can’t keep up with the Dodgers’ power show. Tommy Edman, the MVP of the NLCS, homered again. Teoscar Hernandez homered. And there was Freddie
Freeman
Freeman, one night after hitting the first walk-off grand slam the SoCal native homered again. It was Freeman who homered in his fifth consecutive World Series game dating to the 2021 Series with Atlanta. That ties him with George Springer - and moves him ahead of Reggie Jackson and Lou Gehrig - for the longest streak in World Series history. All this coming after Freeman sat out a pair of games in the NLCS with a severe ankle injury suffered the last week of the season. The entire city was holding their breath after Shohei Ohtani partially dislocated his left shoulder on a stolen base attempt in the seventh inning. He was helped off the field. He did return and start in game 3 The Dodgers took a commanding World Series advantage by outshining the Yankees in Game 3, a 4-2 conquest that saw a burst of excellence from Walker Buehler. Freeman also launched his third home run in
a
grand
three games and more uninspired play from the Yankees, resulting in a sea of empty blue seats in the later innings.
The Yankees seem powerless to stop that. Five Dodgers pitchers have combined to shut down the Yankees lineup through the first seven innings. The Yankees threatened to score again in the seventh inning, but Anthony Banda got Gleyber Torres to strike out with two runners on base.
The Yanks were held to five hits going scoreless until there were two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning when Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer off Michael Kopech.
The Dodgers added another run against the Yankees in the sixth inning. Kiké Hernández drove in Gavin Lux with an RBI single off of reliever Jake Cousins to extend the lead to 4-0.
Continued on page A9
Black Candidates on Your Ballot
By Joe W. Bowers Jr.
California Black
Media
As the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election approaches, a number of Black candidates are running for positions in the United States Congress, the State Senate, and the State Assembly. If elected, they would collectively represent a larger proportion of elected officials at the state level than California’s Black population of about 6.5%.
Of the state’s 52 U.S. House of Representatives seats, three are currently held by Black representatives. In the State Senate, which comprises 40 seats and elects half of its members every two years, there are currently two Black Senators. In the Assembly, which has 80 seats up for election every two years, 10 Black Assembly members currently serve.
In this election, five Black candidates are running for Congress, four for State Senate, and 13 for Assembly. Below are the Black candidates (in bold letters) running for Congress and the State Legislature: Congressional Races In Congressional District 9 (Stockton), Kevin Lincoln (R), Mayor of Stockton, is challenging incumbent Josh Harder (D). Lincoln, a former Marine, is running on a platform focused on economic development, public safety, and government accountability. Harder, meanwhile, has focused on issues like healthcare access and immigration reform.
In Congressional District 12 (Oakland), Lateefah Simon (D), a nonprofit foundation president and civil rights advocate, is running to succeed Rep. Barbara Lee. Simon’s platform emphasizes civil rights, affordable
From left to right: Incumbent Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D) is running in Congressional District 37 (Southwest L.A.); Assemblymember and medical doctor Akilah Weber (D) is running in California State Senate District 39 (San Diego); Incumbent Isaac Bryan (D) is running in Assembly District 55 (Ladera Heights); and Lateefah Simon (D) is running In Congressional District 12 (Oakland).
housing, and economic reform. Her opponent, Jennifer Tran (D), a professor and chamber president, is focused on economic development, public safety and leveraging technology for government transparency.
In Congressional District 37 (Southwest L.A.), incumbent Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D) is campaigning on criminal justice reform and expanding healthcare. Her opponent, Juan Rey, a train mechanic running with no party preference (NPP), advocates for populist solutions.
In Congressional District 43 (South L.A.), Maxine Waters (D) is running for re-election. Waters has long championed housing reform, civil rights, and economic justice. Her challenger, Steve Williams (R), a commercial real estate broker, is focused on reducing government regulation and fostering entrepreneurship.
California State Senate Races
In State Senate District 7 (Oakland and Berkeley), Jovanka Beckles (D), an Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit Director, is running on a platform centered on environmental justice, affordable housing, and public transportation reform. Her opponent, Jesse Arreguín (D), the Mayor of Berkeley, is focused on housing and economic development.
In State Senate District 35 (Inglewood and South LA), Michelle Chambers (D), a former Compton City Councilmember, is campaigning on affordable housing, public safety reform, job creation, and healthcare access. She is facing Laura Richardson (D), a former U.S. Congresswoman and Assemblymember, who is focusing
Congresswoman Maxine Waters and City Treasurer Wanda Brown Endorse Taylor Bryant for Inglewood
City Treasurer
background and character make her the ideal candidate to carry on this legacy of financial stewardship. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a respected leader who has represented the area for years, also supports Bryant’s candidacy, adding further weight to her qualifications. As Inglewood’s only independent and highly qualified candidate in the race, Taylor Bryant stands ready to lead. This
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two more members of the Los Angeles Times editorial board have resigned after the newspaper’s owner blocked the board’s plan to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Veteran journalists Robert Greene and Karin Klein announced their resignations Thursday, a day after the
for democracy.”
Garza told the Columbia Journalism Review that she resigned because the Times was remaining silent on the presidential race in “dangerous times.”
“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not OK with us being silent,” Garza said. “In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up.”
Garza said the board had intended to endorse Harris and that she had drafted the outline of a proposed editorial but that was blocked by Soon-Shiong.
An LA Times spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.
An editorial board operates separately from the newsroom, and its writers’ job is to present an issue and then take a side and lay out arguments to defend it.
Editorial writer Tony Barboza, who remains on the editorial board, said in a post Friday on an internal Los Angeles Times message board that the board had planned a series of editorials that would have culminated on Sunday with a Harris endorsement.
“All of it was killed,” he wrote. “I am deeply disturbed to see these facts mischaracterized, and the owner’s decision not to endorse in this consequential race blamed on his employees.”
Soon-Shiong said in a post on the social media platform X that the board was asked to do a factual analysis of the policies of Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump during their time at the White House.
Soon-Shiong, who bought the paper in 2018 and is a member of the editorial board, said the board “chose to remain silent and I accepted their decision.” Greene, who wrote about water, drought, and Los Angeles County government, among other topics, said he was also concerned with Soon-Shiong’s assertion that the editorial board had chosen to stay silent. Greene wrote that a policy analysis would have to be done by the paper’s news side and that the purpose of an editorial board is “to take a stand and defend it persuasively.”
“I left in response to the refusal to take a stand, and to the incorrect assertion that the editorial board had made a choice,” Greene wrote.
Klein said in a statement posted on Facebook that her decision to resign also came after seeing Soon-Shiong’s post on X.
“The decision to resign was made simple and easy when he posted on X yesterday about his suggestion that the board create an analysis of the positives and negatives of each candidate and let the voters make their own decisions,” she wrote.
“News side does an excellent job of neutral analysis. That’s not an editorial,” she added.
In an interview with Spectrum News on Thursday, Soon-Shiong pushed back against criticism that he censored the editorial board.
“As an owner, I’m on the editorial board and I shared with our editors that maybe this year we have a column, a page, two pages, if we want, of all the pros and all the cons and let the readers decide,” Soon-Shiong said. He said he feared endorsing a candidate would add to the country’s division.
“I want us desperately to air all the voices on the opinion side, on the op-ed side,” Soon-Shiong said. “I don’t know how (readers) look upon me or our family as ‘ultra progressive’ or not, but I’m an independent.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Cardi B says she has been hospitalized with a medical emergency and will have to miss a Saturday night headlining performance at an Atlanta music festival.
“I am so sad to share this news, but I’ve been in the hospital recovering from a medical emergency the last couple of days and I won’t be able to perform at ONE MusicFest,” the Grammy-winning rapper wrote on Instagram. “It breaks my heart that I wont get to see my fans this weekend.” She added, “I’ll be back better and stronger soon. Don’t Worry.” The 32-year-old New York native gave no details on her condition. Cardi gave birth to her third child with rapper Offset less than two months
(left) and
(right)Endorse
(center) for Inglewood
Photo)
Freddie
of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting
walk-off
slam during the tenth inning against the New York Yankees during Game 1 of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on October 25, 2024. (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)
In Final Push, Harris Labels Trump a Fascist, Urges Americans to Defend Democracy
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
With the 2024 presidential election rapidly approaching, tensions are rising as Republican nominee Donald Trump ramps up his divisive rhetoric, while Democratic nominee Kamala Harris delivers a pointed message to the American people, warning of the dangerous path Trump represents. During a CNN Town Hall, Harris directly appealed to undecided voters, independents, and moderate Republicans, urging them to recognize Trump’s threat to the nation’s core principles and democratic institutions.
In the final weeks before Election Day, Trump has doubled down on inflammatory language, fanning racial and gender hatred by using slurs and stereotypes. He described Harris with derogatory terms like “lazy” and leveled a racist insult at fallen U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillén, who was of Mexican descent. The Atlantic reported that Trump balked at covering Guillén’s funeral costs, allegedly saying, “It doesn’t cost 60,000 bucks to bury a f—ing Mexican!” Harris, by contrast, has focused on exposing Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and his dangerous admiration for dictators. She pointed to former senior military officials who served under Trump, including retired four-star Marine General John Kelly, Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff, who recently labeled Trump a fascist. Kelly also disclosed that Trump had privately expressed admiration for Nazi generals, complaining that his own military leaders weren’t loyal enough. Harris used Kelly’s explosive remarks to highlight
what she described as a dire situation for the country.
“Kelly’s comments are a 911 call to the American people,” Harris said, as she repeatedly warned of the consequences if Trump were to reclaim the presidency. “He’s going to sit there, unstable and unhinged, plotting his revenge, plotting his retribution, creating an enemies list,” she added, highlighting concerns over Trump’s suggestion that he would use the military to target domestic “enemies.”
Anderson Cooper of CNN asked Harris if she thought Trump was a fascist, and Harris unequivocally replied, “Yes, I do.” Yes, I do.” It marked the first time Harris publicly used the term to describe Trump, signaling the high stakes in this election.
Trump, meanwhile, has used his platform to escalate personal attacks, including suggesting without evidence that Harris may be campaigning under the influence.
“Does she drink? Is she on drugs?” Trump asked at a recent rally while also making lewd comments about the late golf legend Arnold Palmer. His comments, combined with his previous amplification of misogynistic jokes about Harris, reflect a pattern of inflammatory and vulgar rhetoric that has defined his campaign.
In addition to the attacks on Harris, Trump’s support among Hispanic voters has come under scrutiny following his alleged racist remarks about Guillén. While some in the Hispanic community have voiced backlash over the comments, others, including Guillén’s sister, continue to support Trump, reflecting the political divide among Latino voters.
Harris did not shy away from calling out Trump’s long history of racist and sexist behavior, pointing to data that shows a clear correlation between Trump’s rise and a spike in hate crimes. The FBI has reported an abnormal increase in hate crimes in counties where Trump won by large margins in 2016. At the time, it marked the second-largest uptick in hate crimes since the aftermath of September 11, 2001.
Harris’s strategy in the campaign’s final stretch has focused on drawing sharp contrasts between herself and Trump. She highlighted her endorsements from over 400 members of former Republican administrations, including Liz Cheney, who campaigned alongside her, and former Vice President Dick Cheney. Harris explained that their support stemmed from a shared belief that Trump represents a clear and present danger to the Constitution. “There is a legitimate fear, based on Donald Trump’s words and actions that he will not obey an oath to support and
defend the Constitution of the United States,” Harris said. Harris also addressed key policy issues, including healthcare and border security, but she continually returned to the more significant threat she believes Trump poses. When Cooper pressed on her administration’s handling of immigration and illegal border crossings, Harris acknowledged the challenges but pointed out that long-term solutions would require bipartisan cooperation. She mocked Trump’s failed promises to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it, quipping, “He didn’t do much of anything.”
The vice president defended her approach to leadership, framing herself as a pragmatic problem-solver willing to embrace good ideas, build consensus, and “fix problems.” She emphasized that her presidency would focus on practical solutions rather than partisan pride. “I believe in fixing problems. I love fixing problems,” Harris said. “And I pledge to be a president who not only works for all Americans but works on getting stuff done—and that means compromise.”
As the election draws near, Harris’s campaign appears squarely focused on framing Trump as a dangerous figure whose return to power could unravel American democracy. In contrast, Harris presents herself as the candidate of common sense, unity, and solutions for the American people.
“The American people deserve to have a president who is grounded in what is common sense, what is practical, and what is in the best interest of the people, not themselves,” she concluded.
Martin Luther King III Embraces Interfaith
Effort to Rebuild Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church
By Adam Shapiro CEO/President ASPR
Martin Luther King III, the son of revered civil
rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, directly tied his parents’ dreams for America to the multi-faith initiative to rescue the historic Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church. King passionately spoke about the Potomac, Maryland church that formerly enslaved congregants built by hand. Yet it’s a modern challenge that caught his attention; flash flood waters in 2019 and additional weather damage, exasperated by the rerouting of a nearby road, threaten Scotland. King said, “How does it align with ‘I Have a Dream?’ Talk about salvaging and rebuilding…this symbol, this religious institution that provides an opportunity for spiritual learning, is similar to what my dad and mom were doing when they were building the beloved community and Scotland is about building the community.” King made his remarks at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which is only about a mile from the Lincoln Memorial where his father delivered his inspiring “I Have a Dream” speech over 61 years ago. The event at the Smithsonian Museum celebrated the 100th anniversary of Scotland’s founding and its “2nd Century Project,” which is a rescue and rejuvenation
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initiative under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Evalina Huggins. Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr. said, “It’s a wonder of Montgomery Country because they wonder how we’re still here! It’s an oasis where people will be able to see a symbol of freedom…even though water tried to wipe it away, God is lifting it up higher and higher.”
The plans call for rebuilding the historic original structure; re-grading the surrounding landscape to mitigate more flooding; and constructing a new state-ofthe-art house of worship to meet future needs. Supporters, including Glenstone museum founder Mitch Rales, announced they’d raised nearly $9 million toward the $11 million goal. The NMAAHC event, moderated by WUSA9 news anchor Lesli Foster, served as a powerful reminder of Scotland’s importance, even for those who don’t worship there. Longtime Bethesda resident Joyce Siegel was recognized for her work to revitalize the Scotland community, including the church, in the 1960s.
Frank Islam, a philanthropist and Muslim, said that he and his wife Debbie Driesman quickly embraced the effort. “The 2nd Century Project has brought together the broader community in a common cause. It’s a remarkable effort, especially at a time when we need more opportunities to work together as Americans.” Rabbi David Saperstein, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, reflected that the wide-ranging support illustrated the Bible’s lesson to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In fact, Rabbi Evan Krame and members of his nearby Jewish congregation made the first donation.
Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and others reflected on the longstanding ties between Jewish and Black communities to push back against antisemitic and anti-Black actions, from Selma, Alabama, in the 1960s to the more recent violent
marches in Charlottesville, Virginia, and other locations.
High school student Alice Carrie Marriott highlighted the importance of young people creating ties as she spoke about being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her commitment to Dr. King’s dream in the 21st century.
Dr. Erika Gault, Director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life at NMAAHC, spoke about the diversity of religions in Black culture, including Blacks who are practicing Jews and Buddhists. She also explained the evolving definitions of religious involvement in today’s culture. In addition, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th District) presented the church with a congressional proclamation for its efforts to preserve and build on its important legacy. As the church’s choir sang “I Want to
Black Candidates on Your Ballot
Continued from page A1
on public safety and moderate housing reform. Both candidates aim to replace Sen. Steve Bradford (D), who is term limited.
In State Senate District 39 (San Diego), Assemblymember and medical doctor Akilah Weber (D) is campaigning on healthcare equity, public safety, and job creation. She faces Bob Divine (R), a retired Navy Commander, who is advocating for fiscal restraint and lawand-order policies. This seat is currently held by former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, who is term limited.
California State Assembly Races
In Assembly District 7 (Citrus Heights), Porsche Middleton (D), a city councilmember, is challenging incumbent Josh Hoover (R) on housing reform and local governance.
In Assembly District 11 (Suisun City), incumbent Lori Wilson (D) is focused on healthcare access, economic development, and education. She is facing Dave Ennis (R), a civil engineer who emphasizes infrastructure improvement and reduced government regulation.
In Assembly District 13 (Stockton), business owner Rhodesia Ransom (D) is campaigning on small business growth, educational reform, and economic justice. She faces Denise Aguilar Mendez (R), a non-profit director focused on conservative family values and reducing the size of government. Aguilar Mendez has faced controversy including a guilty plea for welfare fraud.
In Assembly District 18 (Oakland), incumbent Mia Bonta (D) is running on housing reform and education. Her opponent, Andre Sandford, American Independent Party (AIP), advocates for fiscal responsibility and housing cost management.
In Assembly District 55 (Ladera Heights), incumbent Isaac Bryan (D) is running on criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and economic equity. His opponent, Keith G. Cascio (R), is focused on fiscal conservatism and entrepreneurial growth.
In Assembly District 57 (South Los Angeles), Sade Elhawary (D), a community activist and educator, is running on a platform focused on improving affordable housing, addressing homelessness and implementing criminal justice reforms. Her opponent, Efren Martinez (D), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and small business owner, emphasizes economic development and public safety. Both candidates are competing to replace Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D), who is termed out of office.
In Assembly District 60 (Riverside), incumbent Corey Jackson (D) is campaigning on social justice and healthcare reform. His opponent, Ron Edwards (R), a small business owner, is focused on pro-business policies and reducing government regulation.
In Assembly District 61 (Inglewood), incumbent Tina McKinnor (D) is focused on affordable housing and economic justice. She faces Alfonso Hernandez (R), a restaurateur who advocates for small business growth.
In Assembly District 65 (Compton), incumbent Mike Gipson (D) is focusing on public safety and healthcare access, while his opponent, Lydia A. Gutierrez (R), is prioritizing educational reform.
In Assembly District 72 (Huntington Beach), nonprofit executive Dom Jones (D) is running on business growth and community development, while incumbent Diane Dixon (R) is focused on fiscal responsibility and infrastructure improvements.
In Assembly District 77 (San Diego), James Brown (R), an entrepreneur and financial advisor, is focusing on economic policy and job creation. His opponent, incumbent Tasha Boerner (D), is campaigning on healthcare access and environmental protection.
In Assembly District 79 (San Diego), LaShae SharpCollins (D), an education leader, is focused on reproductive rights, educational equity, and affordable housing. She faces Colin Parent (D), a La Mesa City Councilmember, who emphasizes housing affordability, climate action, and transportation. This seat is currently held by Akilah Weber, who is running to represent State Senate District 39. These Black candidates are running to address key issues such as housing, healthcare, public safety, reparations, and economic reform. The diversity of their platforms reflects California's broad political spectrum, with some focusing on progressive reforms, while others advocate for a shift to more conservative policies.
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2024
By Stacy M.
Edge as Early Votes Pour In
far. The partisan split is tight, with 49% from Republicans and 46% from Democrats, reflecting how crucial the state remains in the 2024 contest. Wisconsin, another battleground where Biden edged out Trump in
adding, “Whoever breaks those states 5-2 or 6-1 will not only take the presidency;
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In Georgia, where Biden narrowly defeated Trump in 2020, early voting has seen 1,691,298 ballots cast so
with a breakdown of 40% Democrats, 35% Republicans, and 25% from other voters. The Toss-Up Nature of the 2024 Election Polling data, including a Washington Post-Schar School survey, shows that Harris and Trump are locked in a dead heat, with each receiving 47% support from registered voters. Among likely voters, Harris holds a slight 1-point lead at 49%, compared to Trump’s 48%. This trend mirrors the tight electoral battles seen in these battleground states, where margins of victory could come down to just a few thousand votes, as they did in 2020.
“I think this election will break at the end,” veteran Democratic strategist James Carville stated. “Someone will carry the swing states, and that will decide it,” Carville said,
and its influence could expand should Trump return to the White House. “This race is a long way from decided,” added Carville, who noted he has “a feeling” Harris will win. “But one thing’s clear—whoever breaks those states is going to
The Valley’s
The panel discussed “Interfaith Collaboration, Then & Now.” (Left to right): Amy Spitalnick, CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Dr. Erika Gault, Director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Rabbi David Saperstein, Ambassador, International Religious Freedom; Martin Luther King III, Chairman, Drum Major Institute; and Lesli Foster, Moderator, WUSA9 Anchor
GloRilla Conquers Self-Doubt on Her Path to Becoming One of Hip-Hop’s Most Promising Voices
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — GloRilla burst onto the hiphop scene, lighting up the rap world a couple years ago with breakout tracks like “ Tomorrow ” and “ F.N.F. (Let’s Go) ” — even snagging a Grammy nomination. But as her name skyrocketed, so did the pressure.
With critics predicting GloRilla's career would fizzle, she found herself overthinking every move. The noise shook her confidence, leading her to pause and reassess before getting back in the game.
“They started downing me. It was kind of getting to me,” said the Memphis-born rapper, who recently released her debut studio album, “Glorious,” which features several popular performers including Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Sexyy Red, Kirk Franklin, T-Pain, Kierra Sheard and BossMan Dlow. On her album, she wanted to showcase her versatility blending romance, gospel and crunk-infused melodies.
But before GloRilla could bring her new project to life, she had to rediscover her rhythm as an artist.
“Anytime I would put out a song, they weren’t really feeling it,” said the 25-year-old rapper, whose Hitkiddproduced song “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” was nominated for best rap performance at the 2023 Grammys. “I lost a little confidence. But I knew I could get it back. That’s why I didn’t give up. ... I took it as motivation."
GloRilla, a choir girl turned husky-voiced rap queen, held onto her faith. She hit the studio more, made affirmations, cleared her mind, adopted a consistent workout routine and and let the creativity flow. That combination led to the release of her mixtape “Ehhthang Ehhthang" with tracks like “ Wanna Be ” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and the breakout hit “ Yeah Glo!,” which had fans buzzing while catching the attention of LeBron James and even President Joe Biden.
“I was shocked,” she said. “I knew it was a good song. Every time I played it for people, they loved it. I didn’t know it would go as crazy as it did.”
GloRilla might’ve been surprised by the track, but Yo Gotti saw her potential as a hitmaker all along. He was captivated by her genuine character and rap flow, powered by her unmistakable Southern drawl.
“It's the authenticity,” said the rapper-music executive who signed GloRilla to his Collective Music Group label in 2022. He's known for rap anthems such as “Down in the DM," "Rake It Up" with Nicki Minaj and “Act Right” featuring Jeezy and Y.G.
“Even when she talks about the struggles throughout this journey, it's refreshing," said Yo Gotti, a fellow
Memphis native. "I don't think many artists do that. Everybody wants to play perfect. I think that's why so many people gravitate to her. She relates to real people.” Through Yo Gotti's mentorship, GloRilla found someone she can trust.
“Anytime I have problem, he's always giving me great advice,” she said. “He's already been through the mistakes, so he tries to steer me away from that. He's always telling me the right thing to do.”
Last year, GloRilla was met with devastation after a deadly stampede toward the end of her concert in upstate New York killed three women. She said the deaths left her “heartbroken” and investigators found no criminal wrongdoing.
GloRilla's public reputation seemed untarnished following the tragedy, and her profile has grown in recent months to make her one of rap's most promising new voices.
“She’s a star,” Yo Gotti said. “Not just the creation of music. She understands how to work, the honesty and dedication to the art. Sometimes you want to be a star, but don’t understand what it takes. You got to have it all, and she does.”
So far this year, GloRilla has served as a guest performer on the domestic leg of Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Summer Tour, where she gained more confidence performing in sold-out arenas.
GloRilla recently performed at entrepreneur Michael Rubin's star-studded party where she hit the stage in front of popular figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Drake, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian and Travis Scott. A few months ago, Rihanna posted a video of her dancing to GloRilla's “TGIF,” a single from her new album, which debuted No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In March, GloRilla attended a women's history month event at the White House. She met with Biden and eventual Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, tweaking her song “Yeah Glo!” to “Yeah Joe!” during the visit.
Last month, Beyoncé called GloRilla one of her favorite young artists. She was also presented with the key to the city of Memphis by the mayor for her achievements as an entertainer and visited the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, where she met head coach Mike Tomlin and players from her favorite team.
In all, GloRilla is living a dream.
“Sometimes I think I'm going to wake up and this is not going to happen no more,” she said. “It hasn't hit me all the way. I'm living it and going through the motions, but it still doesn't feel real sometimes.”
A$AP Rocky to Go to Trial Next Year on Charges He Fired a Gun at a Former Friend
By ANDREW DALTON
Superior Court Judge Mark S. Arnold said he will allow video cameras to air the trial that's expected to last about two weeks.
“I believe that the public deserves to see what goes on in the courtroom," the judge said. He asked defense lawyer Joe Tacopina whether Rihanna, with whom Rocky is in a relationship and has two children, plans to attend the trial so he could make
The trial of the 36-year-old rapper, fashion mogul, Grammy nominee and celebrity co-chair of the next Met Gala is set to begin with jury selection on Jan. 21. He has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Trial had been scheduled to start Nov. 12, but his team asked at a hearing Tuesday that it be postponed because he is headlining the Rolling Loud music festival in Thailand next month.
proper security accommodations.
Tacopina said he doesn't know, but “I almost guarantee not every day.”
Another judge ruled after a preliminary hearing nearly a year ago that Rocky should stand trial for allegedly firing a gun at Terell Ephron, a childhood friend who testified that their relationship had soured and a feud came to a head on the night of Nov. 6, 2021. Ephron testified that bullets grazed his knuckles.
Rocky could get up to 24 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Tacopina said outside the courtroom Tuesday that he was confident Rocky would clear his name, and that despite the delay, “He’s eager to get to trial. Having this hanging over his head is not something he wants.” Rocky was recently selected to be a celebrity chair at the Met Gala in May along with Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo and LeBron James, though the result of the trial could complicate his ability to attend.
Samuel L. Jackson Lauded at MoMA Film Benefit by Close Family and Friends
By BEATRICE DUPUY
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The Museum of Modern Art was filled with expletives and laughter Wednesday evening as Samuel L. Jackson’s family and friends celebrated the actor and director’s storied career of box office hits, largerthan-life characters and explosive one-liners at the annual film benefit.
Jackson, known for his infamous F-bombs, stuck to a more sentimental speech at the benefit while his friends and family honored him with some of his choicer one liners.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a wide array of characters where I have learned something new about the human experience with each and every one, and I always carry a piece of them as I carry on,” he said.
At 75, Jackson has built a Hollywood legacy that stretches across 40 years. From playing in action packed blockbusters as Mace Windu in “Star Wars" or Nick Fury in the Marvel universe to the iconic Quentin Tarantino characters of the foulmouthed Jules in “Pulp Fiction” and Ordell in “Django Unchained,” Jackson has shown time and time again that he can effortlessly transform himself with each new role. His versatility is what has catapulted him into movie stardom.
But Jackson’s career is not only defined by acting on screen in movies and T.V. He has lended his cinematic talents to Broadway where he played Martin Luther King Jr. in “The Mountaintop” and Doaker Charles in “Piano Lesson.”
In between the clips from Jackson’s illustrious career, an intimate circle of Jackson’s family and friends going back to his college days at Morehouse took to the stage to honor him.
His wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson joked at the benefit how she questioned Jackson’s acting abilities up until the point she saw him in “Pulp Fiction.” Before he decided on acting, she said, Jackson was studying to be a marine biologist. “Fast forward, I saw Pulp Fiction and I sat in that
theater, and I started crying,” she said.” I said my life is over, he’s going to be a movie star.”
Actor Denzel Washington first worked with Jackson in 1979 and has since marked 45 years of friendship with the actor. He recently produced the August Wilson adaptation of “The Piano Lesson” for Netflix, which features his longtime friend. At the event, Washington said he remembers learning from and watching Jackson perform onstage as a lead in a play while he was once the understudy.
“I wish I was half the character actor that he is, ” Washington said.
Filmmaker Spike Lee first saw Jackson acting with his wife on their former college campus. Since their college days, Lee has gone on to cast Jackson in “Jungle Fever”, “Do the Right Thing” and “Chi-Raq.”
“I was blown away by their talent,” he said of Jackson and Richardson Jackson. “I knew that if god willing if I became a filmmaker that these great artists would be in my films.”
Actress Brie Larson and filmmaker George Lucas both sent in video messages, praising Jackson’s incredible catalog and his loving personality. Other speakers of the night who shared kind words and a handful of F-bombs for Jackson included Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and actor Walton Goggins. Closing the night was a performance by Nigerian singer and Grammy Award winner Tems. As the latest MoMA film benefit honoree, Jackson joins past recipients including Martin Scorsese, Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and Quentin Tarantino. The New York museum’s 16th annual benefit, presented in partnership with Chanel, raises money to preserve and bring movies into the museum’s collection.
“As we celebrate film tonight, let’s remember the power it has to change lives and inspire future generations that benefit from MoMA’s acquisition and preservation of films like the ones that ignited the dreams of a little black kid sitting in the segregated Tennessee movie theater that is standing before you now,” Jackson said in his speech.
Day of the Dead Cultural Festival at Inglewood Park Cemetery Features
Welcome remarks were made by Rene Negrete, Sr. Vice President, Inglewood Park Cemetery. Additional remarks came from Brendt Stallings, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer, Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., and Councilmember Alex Padilla, Todd Beckley, President, Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary, and Monica Bracho, Vice President, Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Remembrance were in attendance for the celebration.
According to Latin Ballet.com, Dia De Los Muertos Study Guide, “Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a celebration of one of the most traditional Mexican festivities. This Aztec ritual and commemoration started at least 3,000 years ago. It is a festive interaction that embraces the cycle of life. Mesoamerican Natives, African Americans and Spanish blend their traditions during the celebration.” I was fortunate to meet two families who were who were invited to be involved in the Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival. I was able to learn about their immediate and extended families. Keisha Cooley and LaShea Elkouby, are sisters who honored their mother as well as their extended family members who transitioned for a Maternal Family Alter. Terri Anderson and Susan Anderson displayed The Legacy Alter in honor of their extended family who transitioned.
The 11th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival was a captivating celebration of family, culture, traditions, in an atmosphere of love, at the Inglewood Park Cemetery.
The grounds were decorated with ofrendas, colorful papel picado banners, marigold flowers, and Calaveras. The grounds also featured a Catrina Garden, Butterfly wings, Remembrance Trees, and a Butterfly Pavilion.
This was my first time being in attendance for this colorful and joyful celebration of Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival. This event is in its 11th year.
The program got underway with Tlecoatl- Danza Azteca, a traditional dance performance. The Blessing Ceremony was led by Father Frank Tinajera.
The Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival featured community alters, arts & crafts, face paintings, and a variety of artisan Mercado.
Guests were entertained with live entertainment, incredible performances by Mariachi Los Troyanos de USC, and an awesome headlining set by Emilio Ortega.
PU’UWAI Danza thrilled attendees with beautiful, traditional, cultural dances from various regions of Mexico to the delight of their parents and guests.
La Muerte Maria, Ruler and Queen of the Land of
Community Alter, Photo by Ricky Richardson
Keisha Cooley and LaShea Elkouby, Maternal Family Alter, Photo by Ricky Richardson
Anderson and Susan Anderson, The Legacy Alter, Photo by Ricky Richardson
Dia De Los Muertos Welcome Signage, Photo by Ricky Richardson
Harris Seeks a Unified America While Trump’s Final Rally Descends into Bigotry and Chaos
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As Election Day draws closer, the divide between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has become a chasm. With the help of well-known supporters like Beyoncé, Usher, and Bruce Springsteen who gathered in cities across the country to support her inclusive platform, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has spent the final days of her campaign calling for unity among Americans. Meanwhile, Trump, the Republican nominee, took the stage at Madison Square Garden, delivering a closing pitch that unleashed xenophobic, racially charged rhetoric, painting an America under siege and promising a wave of mass deportations starting on Day 1.
Beyoncé joined Harris onstage in Houston, stating, “I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m here as a mother.” Springsteen spoke to Harris’s core values, noting, “She believes in the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power.” The entertainers championed a vision that they
argue will protect democracy, safeguard freedoms, and promote unity—a vision starkly opposed to Trump’s divisive tirade at the World’s Most Famous Arena, where just blocks away, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges this year and only a few miles from the court that held him responsible for sexual assault. His civil conviction on massive business fraud also occurred across town from The Garden.
Trump’s rally, marketed as a historic comeback, was instead a showcase of his campaign’s unrestrained hostility.
He anchored his speech on his promise of a massive deportation program, calling the country “occupied” by immigrants—a message reminiscent of historical demagogues. Outside, the Democrats made their own statements, projecting the messages “Trump is Unhinged” and “Trump Praised Hitler” across the storied arena’s exterior.
Before Trump even reached the podium, his supporters stoked racial hatred and fear. Former congressional
candidate David Rem attacked Harris, calling her “the antichrist” and “the devil” while waving a cross. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe plunged into outright racism, referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage” and demeaning Latinos with, “These Latinos, they love making babies, too.” Radio host Sid Rosenberg went further, railing against migrants living in New York and declaring, “You got homeless and veterans—Americans—sleeping on their own feces on a bench in Central Park. But the f**king illegals, they get whatever they want, don’t they?”
Trump’s speech bristled with falsehoods and conspiracy-laden claims. Echoing his 2016 rhetoric, he argued that migrants are to blame for economic woes, pushing the narrative that his leadership alone could restore prosperity. “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” he asked, promising to end inflation and “bring back the American dream” despite his previous term’s failure. His speech underscored the extremist shift that defines his campaign—a willingness to blame society’s
ills on the most vulnerable, in line with far-right leaders who have exploited fear and division throughout history. Harris’s final rally, scheduled for Tuesday, will occur on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., a deliberate echo of the January 6, 2021, insurrection that Trump incited. Harris’s campaign has drawn strength from powerful allies who recognize the stakes. Reflecting on Trump’s divisive legacy, Tyler Perry said, “In this Donald Trump America, there is no dream that looks like me.” Bruce Springsteen declared, “There is only one candidate in this election who holds those principles dear: Kamala Harris… Trump is running to be an American tyrant. He does not understand this country, its history, or what it means to be deeply American.”
Samuel L. Jackson, standing firmly behind Harris, reminded audiences, “She’s running on a proven track record of fighting for the people… of taking on the toughest fights.”
Biden-Harris Not Giving Up On Easing Student
Debt, Announce More Pathways to Forgiveness
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new proposed regulations to expand student debt relief, potentially impacting around 8 million borrowers facing financial hardship. The proposal, introduced by the U.S. Department of Education, would allow the Secretary of Education to forgive loans in cases where borrowers are unlikely to repay due to severe hardship or where continued collection costs are deemed unjustified.
“For far too long, our broken student loan system has made it too hard for borrowers experiencing heartbreaking and financially devastating hardships to access relief, and it’s not right,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. The proposed rules, developed through a negotiated rulemaking session in early 2024, outline two pathways for relief: automatic loan forgiveness based on predictive data for at-risk borrowers and an application-based process for those with persistent financial struggles. If finalized, the new rules would ensure lasting support for some of the most financially vulnerable Americans, including many Pell Grant recipients.
This new initiative comes as the Biden-Harris Administration continues to press forward with efforts to alleviate student debt despite significant opposition from MAGA Republicans and setbacks imposed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In previous moves to support students and families, the Administration secured a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award—the largest in a decade—and established protections against career programs that leave graduates with unsustainable debt.
In addition to these efforts, nearly 5 million borrowers have already received debt relief through various targeted programs. The measures include $74 billion for over a million borrowers under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), up from just 7,000 approvals at the start of the Biden Administration; $56.5 billion for over 1.4 million borrowers under income-driven repayment plans, which addressed past administrative issues and improper forbearance practices; $28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who attended schools that engaged in fraudulent practices or abruptly closed; and $16.2 billion for close to 572,000 borrowers with permanent disabilities.
The Department of Education’s new proposal aims to provide two types of pathways to relief. The first would enable automatic forgiveness for borrowers identified through data-driven assessments as likely to default within the next two years. The second, an application-based option, would evaluate individual cases where hardship remains unaddressed by other repayment options.
The Department plans to publish these regulations in the Federal Register in the coming weeks and open a 30day comment period on Regulations.gov. The Department aims to finalize the regulations in 2025, broadening debt relief options and providing vital support for millions of student borrowers.
“President Biden, Vice President Harris, and I will not stop fighting to deliver student debt relief and create a fairer, more just, and more affordable student loan system for all borrowers,” Cardona stated.
Criminal Justice Reform Poised to Be Decisive Issue in 2024 Election, Poll Shows
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As America moves toward the most consequential presidential election in recent memory, criminal justice reform has emerged as a potential game-changer, with a new poll revealing broad bipartisan support for reducing incarceration. The survey by BSG for FWD.us reveals that 81% of likely voters support criminal justice reform, including 85% of Democrats, 82% of Independents, and 76% of Republicans. Voters in key battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania overwhelmingly favor reform, positioning the issue as potentially a deciding factor in the 2024 presidential race. Zoë Towns, Executive Director of FWD.us, discussed the poll’s findings during an appearance on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known digital show. Towns emphasized that personal experience with mass incarceration is a significant motivator of voter support for reform. “Voters across the political spectrum have been overexposed to the harms of mass incarceration for decades now,” Towns declared. “One in two Americans has experienced incarceration within their immediate families—this isn’t just a policy issue, it’s a lived experience. And the exposure rate is the same whether you are a Republican or a Democratic household.” Towns pointed out that this shared experience of mass incarceration is why support for reform transcends partisan divides. “The harms of mass incarceration are bipartisan,” she said. “And the support for reform we’re seeing is also bipartisan. People have seen that we don’t have to incarcerate our way out of all these problems—we can have safety and justice at the same time.” The poll shows that two-thirds of Black voters (67%) and a majority of Latino voters (55%) are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports criminal justice reform, further underscoring the issue’s importance in shaping voter behavior in key demographics. “You’ve got voters who are excited about reform, you’ve got evidence showing it works, and you’ve got proof that it helps the economy and keeps families together,” Towns added. Despite the overwhelming public support, both major presidential candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—have yet to embrace the issue in their campaigns fully. Towns view this as a missed opportunity. “In such a tight election, criminal justice reform is a massively untapped opportunity for both
candidates,” she said. “We’ve got voters across the board— Democrats, Republicans, Independents—who are asking for these reforms. So why not meet them there?” Towns noted that some reforms, such as clemency, have proven particularly popular, especially among Black and Latino communities. “Clemency is hugely important,” she said. “The Obama-era clemency initiative brought home nearly 2,000 people from federal prison, saving an average of 10 years off their sentences. Voters want to see President Biden do something similar in his final months.
Black voters, that number jumps to 80%, while 74% of Latino voters also say reducing incarceration is critical. When asked about the persistent use of tough-oncrime rhetoric, Towns explained that while such messaging has been a political staple for years, voters are now seeing through it. “For every American election that’s been studied, scaring people to the ballot box has been the cheapest way to get votes—whether it’s fear of immigration, crime, or foreign influence,” Towns said. “But now, voters are watching those old tough-on-crime commercials alongside
saying, ‘Wait a second, that doesn’t reflect reality.’ Voters want real solutions, not fear-mongering.” The poll reveals that more voters today (65%) believe
that mass incarceration causes many of the problems that lead to unsafe communities, such as homelessness, poverty, and drug or mental health challenges than did at the beginning of the campaign season. “We know what works to advance safe communities,” Towns said. “There’s a ton of evidence showing what reduces violence and drug use. But for too long, politicians have been playing politics with people’s safety.” Towns also touched on the legacy of the 1994 Crime Bill, a controversial piece of legislation that continues to shape public perceptions of criminal justice reform.
“The 1994 Crime Bill was a punishment-focused reform package that disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities,” she said. “It built up the federal prison system and left us with laws that continue to affect people today. Many of the people sentenced under those laws are still incarcerated, and their families and loved ones are voters—they’re bringing these experiences to the ballot box.”Melissa Morales, Founder & President of Somos Votantes, underscored the importance of reform for Latino voters. “We cannot continue the cycle of mass incarceration that has separated so many Latino families and overshadowed real public safety solutions,” Morales said in a statement.Similarly, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton pointed to criminal justice reform as a critical issue in battleground states. “When I talk to voters in Pennsylvania, criminal justice reform comes up again and again,” McClinton stated. “We know it’s the right policy, and this poll shows that the politics are on our side.”The poll also indicates that candidates can gain significant political ground by supporting criminal justice reform. Nationally, voters are five times more likely to support a candidate who backs reform than one who does not. The trend is even more pronounced in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where the ratio is six to one. As the election draws near, Towns said she believes criminal justice reform represents a low-risk, high-reward issue for candidates. “This is an extremely tight election, and it’s going to come down to a small number of votes in a small number of states,” Towns said. “Criminal justice reform is an issue that can tip the balance—and there’s little downside to supporting it.” Watch the full discussion here.
Gun Industry Exposed: Secret Customer
Data Used to Influence U.S. Elections
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
An investigation by ProPublica has uncovered that some of America’s most iconic gun manufacturers secretly shared sensitive personal information on hundreds of thousands of customers with political operatives—without their consent. The covert operation, spearheaded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), aimed to bolster pro-gun politicians running for Congress and the White House. The intimate customer data, some of which date back to the 1970s, formed the backbone of a massive political database that influenced elections for over two decades.The Start of a Secret Project According to ProPublica, the clandestine operation began in the late 1990s as the gun industry faced increasing financial, legal, and political threats. At least 10 major firearm companies—including Glock, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Marlin, and Mossberg— supplied gun buyers’ names, addresses, and other private details to the NSSF. These companies collected this data primarily through warranty cards that customers filled out when purchasing firearms. While the cards promised confidentiality or allowed for third-party marketing, none informed customers their details would be used in political campaigns. By 2000, the NSSF had built a database containing over 5.5-million-gun owners’ names, using not only warranty card data but also voter rolls and hunting license records. The NSSF then launched a voter education initiative, Vote Your Sport, which would later evolve into GunVote, to mobilize these gun owners and influence key elections. The organization’s efforts proved successful, helping elect both George W. Bush and Donald Trump to the White House and securing a wave of pro-gun lawmakers in Congress.A Game-Changing Election Strategy
The NSSF’s database gave the industry an unparalleled ability to target gun owners, a fiercely protective group known for their privacy concerns. Many gun owners— police officers, judges, domestic violence survivors, and others at risk—had legitimate fears about their personal information falling into the wrong hands. Yet, unbeknownst to them, their data was being shared with lobbyists and political consultants.
ProPublica’s investigation revealed that by 2016, the NSSF had handed over large amounts of customer data to Cambridge Analytica, the controversial political consulting firm credited with playing a pivotal role in Trump’s 2016 election victory. Cambridge Analytica combined the NSSF’s database with additional information from commercial data brokers, building detailed psychological profiles of voters based on their purchasing behavior, including intimate details such as income, religion, and even the clothing sizes of female gun owners.
ProPublica said the profiles were used to craft hypertargeted political messages aimed at swaying gun owners to support pro-firearm candidates. In the 2000 and 2016 elections, the NSSF’s data-driven voter outreach was seen
as a “critical component” of the electoral success of pro-gun politicians. An internal NSSF report allegedly boasted that its campaign in 2000 likely tipped the balance in favor of Bush in several key states. Gun Control in the Crosshairs
The NSSF’s influence in Washington has helped secure some of the most significant victories for the gun industry in modern history, the report noted. Following George W. Bush’s election, the industry celebrated the expiration of the 1994 assault weapons ban in 2004 and the passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005. The landmark law granted gun manufacturers sweeping immunity from lawsuits related to the misuse of their products—a protection that remains in place today despite the growing number of mass shootings across the nation.
Pro-gun lawmakers backed by the NSSF have repeatedly blocked efforts to reintroduce the assault weapons ban, raise the minimum age for purchasing assault-style rifles from 18 to 21, and expand background checks—despite overwhelming public support for these
measures. The toll of these political victories has been devastating. Mass shootings involving assault weapons have surged in recent decades, and the firearms at the center of these attacks have become more lethal and accessible than ever before.
From Columbine to Uvalde: A Devastating Timeline
The NSSF’s political power grew in the shadow of some of the most horrific mass shootings in American history. The Columbine High School massacre in 1999, which claimed 13 lives, was a turning point for the gun industry. In response to the growing public demand for gun control, the NSSF ramped up its voter mobilization efforts. The group’s database had swelled to 5.5 million names just two years after Columbine, fueling its first full- scale election effort.
In 2012, the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, brought the gun industry’s influence into sharp focus. The shooter used an AR-15-style assault rifle, a weapon that had been aggressively marketed in the years following the expiration
of the federal assault weapons ban. Despite the deaths of 20 young children and six adults, attempts to pass new gun control measures stalled in Congress. Pro-gun lawmakers, many of whom had benefitted from the NSSF’s campaign contributions, stood firm in their opposition.
ProPublica noted that the NSSF’s influence has only grown in the years since Sandy Hook. In 2018, 19 students and teachers were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, by a gunman wielding an AR-15-style rifle. The shooter had legally purchased the weapon just after turning 18—highlighting the continued loophole in federal law that allows teenagers to buy assault rifles, while handgun buyers must be 21. Several proposals to raise the minimum age for purchasing such firearms have been blocked in Congress, thanks to the lobbying power of the gun industry. More recently, the gun industry’s influence was laid bare in the tragic shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. 18-year-olds who legally purchased assault rifles carried out both attacks. Despite mounting public pressure and repeated legislative efforts, the gun industry has continued to use its political sway to block reforms that could prevent such tragedies. A Crisis of Gun Violence
Today, the U.S. faces an unprecedented crisis of gun violence. For the first time, firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teenagers, surpassing car accidents and other common causes. In 2021, more people died from gunshots than in any other year in American history, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In June 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, calling for the reinstatement of assault weapons bans and universal background checks as necessary steps to reduce the rising death toll. However, the political infrastructure that the gun industry has built over the past 20 years continues to thwart significant reform.
Despite public outrage, the gun industry and its allies in Washington remain entrenched in their opposition to new gun control measures. The NSSF’s influence has ensured that even the most widely supported reforms, like raising the age to buy an assault rifle, remain off the table.
buyers who thought their information was confidential.
“The hypocrisy of warning about a governmental registry and at the same time establishing a private registry for political purposes is stunning,” said Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a vocal gun control advocate. “Absolutely staggering.”
Study Uncovers Disparities in Post Surgical Pain Management for Black Patients
The study reveals that Black patients are 29% less likely than their white counterparts to receive multimodal analgesia, which utilizes various medications to improve pain control while reducing opioid use.
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Black patients recovering from major surgery are less likely to receive multimodal analgesia, a pain management approach proven to reduce opioid dependence, according to new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 annual meeting in Philadelphia. The study reveals that Black patients are 29% less likely than their white counterparts to receive multimodal analgesia, which utilizes various medications to improve pain control while reducing opioid use. Experts noted that this approach has been particularly effective after complex surgeries, such as lung or abdominal cancer procedures and hernia repairs. In addition to this disparity, the research found that Black patients were 74% more likely to be prescribed oral opioids in combination with intravenous (IV) opioids compared to white patients, despite the known risks of opioid addiction. “We know that multimodal analgesia provides more effective pain management with less need for opioids, which are highly addictive. It should be standard practice, especially in high-risk surgical patients,” said Dr. Niloufar Masoudi, lead author of the study and anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins University.The study examined the pain management of 2,460 white patients and 482 Black patients during the first 24 hours following high-risk surgeries between 2016 and 2021. Researchers ruled out variables such as insurance, health conditions, and age,
identifying significant racial disparities in pain treatment. While most patients received IV opioids, Black patients were significantly more likely to receive additional oral opioids.Dr. Masoudi emphasized that the causes of these disparities could include patient preferences, differences in reported pain, or practitioner bias. She called for more research to uncover the exact reasons and for further studies across other ethnic groups to determine if they face similar issues.“Pain specialists need to understand the benefits of multimodal analgesia, recognize the existence of disparities in its use, and develop standardized protocols to ensure all patients receive this preferred form of pain management when medically appropriate,” Dr. Masoudi said.During the five-day conference, experts also discussed the critical issue of medication errors in perioperative settings. Dr. Elizabeth Rebello of the Anderson Cancer Center highlighted distractions, inadequate training, and fatigue as significant contributors to these errors. She noted that communication and teamwork, combined with smart pumps and barcoding technology, can help reduce errors.“Implementing non-punitive reporting systems and fostering a culture of safety are key to preventing medication errors,” Dr. Rebello stated.As the medical community continues to address these disparities and challenges, Dr. Masoudi stressed, “We must do more to ensure equitable treatment for all patients. Every patient deserves the highest standard of care, regardless of race.”
The Silent Crisis: How Abortion Restrictions Are Endangering Black Women’s Lives
By Kara James As a Nurse Practitioner, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for Black women’s health, recognizing the systemic barriers that place us at risk. I’ve witnessed the dismissal of our pain, the neglect of our needs, and the tragic repercussions of a healthcare system that fails to recognize us. But nothing has shaken me as deeply as what happened to my niece, Tyler. It made the crisis personal in a way I never anticipated—and it nearly cost her life.\ Three days after giving birth, Tyler called me with panic in her voice. She wasn’t feeling right; she was experiencing bleeding with unusual clots, accompanied by pain and exhaustion. Her doctor confirmed that a portion of her placenta remained inside her, but instead of doing a D&C (dilation and curettage)—a routine method to remove the tissue—they prescribed misoprostol, a pill intended to expel it. The instructions were unclear, and the medication didn’t work. Despite the continued bleeding, Tyler’s doctor advised her to wait. “We’ll check again on Monday,” he said. It was Thursday. Tyler was terrified. “What happens if I die? What if I have to leave my baby behind because they won’t do what is necessary?” she asked. As her aunt and a healthcare provider, my heart broke, but my anger grew stronger. I knew exactly what was happening. Her doctor was stalling, frightened of the legal consequences in a state where abortion restrictions make even routine procedures like D&Cs controversial. This wasn’t about saving lives—it was about saving themselves. By Sunday, Tyler’s condition continued. The clots
were larger, she was still bleeding, and no one was taking her seriously. Her husband Mark took her to the ER, where they repeated the same tests and delivered the same message: Wait. She was not sick enough. It wasn’t urgent—yet. It was as if they were waiting for her to reach a breaking point, before they’d act, waiting for her body to fail before they believed her. Monday arrived and her health was deteriorating. I could hear the exhaustion in her voice, and the fear that something irreversible had already begun. When the D&C was finally performed—ten days after the complication was first discovered—it was almost too late. Her blood pressure had spiked and the trauma of being ignored and dismissed left scars that won’t soon heal.
Tyler survived. But I can’t stop thinking about how close she came to being another statistic; another Black woman abandoned by the healthcare system.
This is the reality that abortion restrictions produce. It’s not only about banning abortion—it’s about restricting access to life-saving care. Doctors, petrified by fear of prosecution, are hesitant to perform critical procedures that are considered legally risky in today’s landscape. For Black women like Tyler, who are already three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related problems, these delays can prove to be lethal.
What should have been a routine procedure turned into a potentially fatal nightmare, not due to lack available care, but because the laws have created so much legal uncertainty for health care providers. This situation presents a tragic irony: in the name of “protecting life,”
these laws ultimately endanger more lives. The healthcare system has consistently failed Black women. From the historical medical abuses of the past to the ongoing maternal health crisis, we have faced disregard, ridicule, and mistreatment.
Kara James
Political Playback:
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
By
and Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention Highlights Black Voter Engagement, and More
President and CEO Derrick Johnson during the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Los Angeles.Photo
The 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention concluded on Sunday, Oct 27 following four days of discussions and workshops at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Bringing together civil rights leaders, policymakers, and advocates from California and Hawaii, the convention operated under the theme “All In.” The participants discussed critical issues impacting Black communities, including criminal justice reform, health equity, economic empowerment, education, environmental justice, and voting rights.
A Friday panel featuring NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell and Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, examined Project 2025, an initiative perceived as a potential threat to civil rights, healthcare access, and environmental protections. This session emphasized Project 2025’s projected impact on Black communities, noting that policies within the initiative could diminish gains made in civil and environmental rights over decades.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) delivered remarks at the Women in NAACP (WIN) Labor Luncheon during the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Los Angeles, focusing on the intersection of labor rights and civil rights.Photo by Rich Woods
Russell and Wilson highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring and community mobilization to address these challenges. On Saturday the President’s Fireside Chat brought together NAACP President Derrick Johnson and CA/HI State Conference President Rick Callender, who discussed the urgency of voter engagement and community advocacy. Guest speakers included Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), who spoke at the Women in NAACP (WIN) Labor Luncheon about the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. California State Superintendent
California State Sen.
“Rod”
NAACP Califor-
State Convention, which concluded on Oct. 27 after four days of discussions and workshops at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Photo by Rich Woods
Tony Thurmond delivered remarks at the Leadership Dinner on education equity, focusing on policies to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.
Honors were given to longtime social justice advocate and former Assembly member Mike Davis for his work in community activism, while actor and activist Danny Glover and the Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown received the 2024 Legacy Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing their lifelong commitments to advancing civil rights.
The convention also offered practical workshops, including “What’s On Your Ballot?,” where coalition leaders provided analyses of California propositions, explaining their potential impacts on community rights and resources. The Voter Turnout Workshop provide background and encouraged participants to promote voter turnout through community- centered outreach strategies.
Sunday’s events closed with a Prayer and Memorial Breakfast honoring the contributions of past and current civil rights leaders.
Secretary of State Weber: Voting in California Has Begun; Officials Release Early Ballot Return Stats
Last week, the office of California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber provided updates on ballot return statistics for the Nov. 5 General Election.
Since the state began sending out ballots by mail earlier this month to all registered voters in all 58 counties, more than 2.8 million residents have voted. So far, the state has accepted 98% of those ballots, the majority of which were returned by mail.
Some residents cast their votes in-person, amounting to a total of 4,709 ballots.
The highest number of voter registration and ballot returns came from counties with dense populations such as Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, San Diego County, and Orange County.
On Oct. 25, the Secretary of State’s office partnered with Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM) to host a news briefing on essential resources to prepare voters to cast their ballots properly and inform them about what the state is doing to protect their votes.
“As long your ballot is postmarked by election day, November 5th, and received by November 12th, it will be processed and counted,” said Joe Kocurek, Deputy Secretary of State for Communications, during the briefing.
“If people feel like their mail isn’t reliable or they’re a little more concerned, they should probably mail it in as soon as they possibly can. If they don’t want to do it that way, they have the in-person voting center options, which are open now,” added Kocurek.
Last week, Weber also announced that residents who missed the online registration deadline on Oct. 21, still have the opportunity to register to vote. The Secretary’s office confirmed that residents can participate in “same day” voter registration and cast a ballot at their county elections office, a designated voting center, or polling place in their respective county.
“You don’t have to wait for Election Day. To minimize wait times, I encourage Californians who need “Same Day” voter registration to visit an early voting location or their county elections office before Election Day to ensure their voices are heard,” said Weber.
Citizens who are eligible for “same day” voter registration are required to fill out a complementary form in order to receive a ballot. The vote will be counted once county officials have completed the verification process for that voter’s registration. According to the office of the Secretary of State, residents can find more information at the links provided below.
For “Same Day” registration visit: caearlyvoting.sos. ca.gov.Check online voter registration status here: voterstatus. sos.ca.gov. Active registered voters can track their ballot on: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
Important dates
• Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties beginning on October 26, 2024.
• Mailed vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 12, 2024.
Information about county elections offices can be found at elections-offices.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-
Upcoming California key dates and deadlines for the November 5, 2024, General Election can be found at sos. ca.gov/elections/upcoming- elections/general-electionnov-5-2024/key-dates-deadlines.
Biden Appoints Black San Diego Attorney to California District Court Judgeship
On Oct. 23, President Joe Biden nominated two judges to vacant federal judgeships in Southern California: Judge Serena Murillo and Judge Benjamin Cheeks.
Both appointments are subject to U.S. Senate confirmation next month. If confirmed, Cheeks, who is African American and a criminal defense attorney, will replace U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel. Before his appointment, Cheeks was in private practice at the Law Offices of Benjamin J. Cheeks, A.P.C. in San Diego from 2013 to 2024. From 2010 to 2013, Cheeks served as an Assistant U.S.
Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
The same day of the White House announcement, California’s U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, both Democrats, and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, congratulated Murillo and Cheeks and commended Biden on his decision.
“I applaud President Biden for his continued commitment to nominating highly qualified, diverse judges to serve California,” said Padilla in a statement.
“Judge Cheeks has earned immense respect from his colleagues in the Southern District and has fought to protect vulnerable immigrants against fraud,” Padilla added.
Butler said, “Californians deserve a federal bench that reflects the diversity of the Golden State.
“I applaud the President’s nomination of Judge Serena Murillo and Judge Ben Cheeks to the United States District Courts for the Central District and Southern District of California, respectively. These two incredibly qualified candidates bring a breadth of both judicial and lived experienced to the federal bench, and I look forward to supporting their paths to confirmation,” she continued.
Murillo, who has been a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2015. She also served by appointment of the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court as an Associate Justice pro tem on the California Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2019. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Murillo served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 2014. She received her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1996 and her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego in 1993.
Cheeks earned his J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law in 2003 and his B.A. from the University of Miami in Florida in 2000.
Controller Malia Cohen Convenes Auditors from Counties Across California
California State Controller Malia Cohen welcomed auditors from across the state for the 79th Annual County Auditors Conference, a three-day event and award ceremony hosted in Santa Cruz.
The state controller honored the award recipients by celebrating their excellence in producing accurate financial data. The conference focused on key issues related to county financial management and reporting. This annual event is mandated by Government Code 12422, which requires the State Controller to convene county auditors at least once a year. The conference served as a platform to discuss county budget procedures, financial transaction reporting, and property tax revenue allocation, promoting consistency in the duties of county auditors statewide.
In her opening remarks, Cohen emphasized the significance of collaboration between her office and the county auditors.
“I want to congratulate all of the counties receiving today’s County Financial Transactions Reporting award,” stated Cohen. “Your county’s diligence in reporting is critical for my office to produce accurate local government financial data, which is of vital importance to policymakers, researchers, and constituents throughout California. Thank you for your contribution to the quality and transparency of public finances.”
Cohen also moderated a panel discussion featuring Assemblymember Gail Pellerin and Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw. The panel addressed critical topics such as the upcoming state budget, technological advancements, and anticipated fiscal challenges for local governments in the coming fiscal year.
In addition, Cohen recognized counties that received the California State Controller Financial Transaction Reporting Award, highlighting the importance of accurate and timely financial reporting.
More than 40 counties won the coveted Financial Transaction Reporting Award, celebrating their commitment to excellence in financial management. Counties that won an award include Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
Poll Indicates Strong Support for California’s Controversial Prop 36 Crime Initiative
A recent poll showed that California voters back Proposition 36, which aims to increase penalties for certain theft and drug-related crimes, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
The poll came out last week as opponents of the proposition began a last-ditch push against the initiative in major metropolitan areas across California.
“As the 2024 campaign heads into its final days, The No on 36 Campaign is targeting voters in Los Angeles and the Bay Area with a series of new billboards urging voters to reject the cynical, misleading measure on the November ballot,” read a press release from a coalition of opponents to the measure.
The PPIC survey showed that 73% of likely voters support the measure, up from 71% in September, with only 25% opposing the ballot measure.
This makes Prop 36 the most popular of the ten statewide issues on the ballot this fall, with 28% of voters indicating it is their top priority.
The emphasis on crime as a key campaign issue is partially driven by the pandemic-related rise in certain offenses. However, prominent Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, have expressed concerns about reverting to harsher crime policies.
Other ballot measures are also performing well according to the PPIC poll. Proposition 3, which seeks to remove outdated language banning same-sex marriage from the state constitution, has garnered 67% support. Proposition 35, aimed at making a tax on specific healthcare plans permanent to fund Medi-Cal, has over 60% approval. Among the two $10 billion bond measures, Proposition 4, focused on climate and water projects, has strong backing at 60%, while Proposition 2, for school construction, has a narrower margin of support at 52%.
Several other measures, including Proposition 33 on rent control, are trailing, with only 42% supporting the initiative. Proposition 6, which seeks to ban forced prison labor, is currently the least favored, with just 41 percent in favor.
In the presidential race, more than half of survey participants stated that they plan to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in comparison to Donald Trump.
The PPIC poll surveyed 1,137 likely voters from October 7 to 15, with a margin of error of less than 4%.
Los Angeles Times Editor Resigns Over Kamala Harris Endorsement Dispute
Mariel Garza, the editorial chief of the Los Angeles Times, has resigned following the newspaper’s decision not to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Garza’s resignation comes after the newspaper’s owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, blocked the editorial board’s plans to endorse Harris, leading Garza to express her discontent with the newspaper’s silence during what she described as “dangerous times.”
“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not OK with us being silent,” said Garza in an interview with the Columbia Journalism Review. “In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standingGarzaup.”indicated that the editorial board had intended to endorse Harris and that she had already drafted a proposed editorial outlining this support. Soon-Shiong clarified in a post on X that the editorial board was tasked with providing a factual analysis of both Harris’s and former President Donald Trump’s policies, allowing readers to make an informed decision. He noted that the board ultimately chose not to endorse any candidate, a decision he accepted.
The L.A. Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed deep concern over the owner’s decision, criticizing him for unfairly placing blame on the editorial board for not endorsing. The guild is seeking further clarity from management regarding this situation. Trump’s campaign reacted to Garza’s resignation, highlighting that the state’s largest newspaper had refrained from endorsing the Democratic ticket despite previously supporting Harris in her races for U.S. Senate and state attorney general. Garza’s departure follows the earlier resignation of Executive Editor Kevin Merida, reflecting ongoing challenges within the organization, including unmet digital subscriber goals and the need for increased revenue to sustain operations.
Atty Gen Bonta: Mandate to Provide Emergency Care to All Patients Faces Threats
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the critical need to protect the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), mandating that hospitals provide emergency care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.
In a recent statement, Bonta highlighted the potential threats to this essential legislation amid ongoing discussions about healthcare accessibility in the U.S. “EMTALA ensures that no one is denied access to emergency medical care, including abortion care, and this federal law is more imperative than ever following the overturn of Roe v. Wade,” said Bonta. The attorney general highlighted that EMTALA is vital for ensuring that no individual is turned away from emergency services based on financial status or insurance coverage. Bonta stated that the law has been a cornerstone of emergency healthcare for decades, providing peace of mind to millions of Americans who might otherwise hesitate to seek urgent medical attention due to cost concerns. This decision to support the federal government’s case comes at a time when many healthcare providers are facing pressure from rising costs and legislative changes that could undermine existing protections. Bonta called on lawmakers to reinforce EMTALA’s provisions and to combat any efforts aimed at weakening the act, asserting that equitable access to emergency care is a fundamental right.
He urged both state and federal governments to ensure that all Americans, particularly marginalized communities, have the necessary access to emergency services without fear of financial repercussions. The brief indicates the coalition’s commitment to healthcare equity, emphasizing that maintaining strong protections under EMTALA is crucial for safeguarding public health.
As discussions around healthcare policy continue, Bonta remains steadfast in promoting initiatives that protect emergency care access, asserting that everyone deserves timely and appropriate medical treatment in emergencies. His efforts align with ongoing legal and advocacy battles to preserve the rights established by EMTALA in the face of evolving healthcare challenges.
Exonerated Five Sue Donald Trump for Defamation Over False Debate Remarks
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The five men wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park assault case, known as the “Exonerated Five,” have filed a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump after he made false statements during a September 10, 2024, presidential debate. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Pennsylvania, claims that the 34-times convicted Trump falsely asserted they had “pleaded guilty” to the crime and falsely stated they “killed a person ultimately” during the assault, claims that have widely been debunked. Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam—who spent years in prison before their 2002 exoneration—accuse Trump of defaming them, painting them in a false light, and intentionally inflicting emotional distress by continuing to spread falsehoods about their case. The lawsuit references Trump’s debate comments, which were broadcast to millions of viewers, as particularly harmful given the ongoing efforts by the men to rebuild their lives after their
wrongful convictions.
While Trump has lashed out at the innocent men, the twice-impeached former president is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of 34 felony charges in New York. A civil jury also found Trump guilty of sexually assaulting a journalist, and a judge levied a verdict of nearly $500 million against the Republican presidential nominee for committing massive business fraud.
The court filing provides a detailed account of Trump’s decades-long association with the case, beginning in 1989 when he famously took out full-page ads in New York City newspapers calling for the death penalty in response to the arrests of the five teens. The lawsuit notes that, despite the exoneration of the five men based on DNA evidence and the confession of the actual perpetrator, Matias Reyes, Trump has continued to make inflammatory and false remarks about their guilt.
“Plaintiffs never pled guilty to any crime and were subsequently cleared of all wrongdoing. Further, the victims of the Central Park assaults were not killed,” the lawsuit
states, pointing to the fact that the actual perpetrator’s confession and DNA evidence absolved the men of all charges. The lawsuit also notes that Trump’s remarks were made negligently, with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for the truth. The men, now in their 50s, have since become advocates and public figures, working to address the injustice they suffered. Yusef Salaam, a New York City Council member, was present at the September 10 debate and later confronted Trump in person. When Salaam introduced himself, Trump reportedly waved him off, saying, “Ah, you’re on my side then,” to which Salaam replied, “No, no, no, I’m not on your side.”
The lawsuit asks for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages with a focus on the emotional harm and damage to Trump’s reputation that his repeated lies have caused. “These statements have caused the plaintiffs serious reputational damage and severe emotional distress, especially given their wrongful convictions and efforts to move past this chapter of their lives,” the filing states.
In 2002, the men were exonerated after DNA evidence linked Reyes, a serial rapist, to the assault on a female jogger in Central Park. Their convictions were vacated, and the City of New York ultimately paid the men a $41 million settlement in 2014. Despite these facts, Trump has maintained his stance. “Trump’s statements were false and defamatory in numerous respects,” the lawsuit asserts. “The exoneration of the plaintiffs is a matter of public record, yet Trump’s continued public statements attempt to rewrite history and cast doubt on their innocence.” The lawsuit also draws attention to
to
Despite overwhelming evidence proving their innocence, Trump’s remarks have perpetuated misinformation, resulting in ongoing harm to the plaintiffs, the filing states. View the filing here.
State Conference President Rick Callender (right) engages in a discussion on voter engagement and community advocacy with NAACP
by Rich Woods
Former
Roderick
Wright speaks at the 37th
nia-Hawaii
Bo Tefu
Passing Game Dominates as Chargers Take Down Struggling Saints
By Austin Gage
Contributing Sports Writer
Behind rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey’s two touchdowns, the Chargers ride a second-half passing wave en route to a comfortable win Sunday over the New Orleans Saints.
Coming off last week’s disappointing last-second loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Chargers bounced back in a big way Sunday afternoon in Week 8 with a 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
However, despite the eventual gap and large margin of victory, the game certainly did not start the way Los Angeles would have hoped.
After a good stand by the Charger defense to stop the Saint offense and force a punt around midfield, an offense marked by rookie starting quarterback Spencer Rattler playing his third game in a leading role, the Bolts took over for their second offensive possession deep in their own half. After an unsuccessful rush by running back J.K. Dobbins and two failed passing attempts by quarterback Justin Herbert, Los Angeles faced their second straight punt to begin the game. Facing a poor snap, punter JK Scott was forced to try to corral the football. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the football escaped to the right of Scott, and when the punter tried to control the ball, it bounced around in the endzone and eventually bounced out of bounds through the side of the endzone for a safety. After the special teams disaster, the Saints looked at an early 2-0 lead and received possession to start their own second drive of the game.
A holding penalty stalled the drive for New Orleans and a punt followed. The Chargers could not capitalize on the next drive, but another Saints drive ensued. So, in total, 3 failed drives tailed off after the disastrous safety, and the Chargers took the field for their fourth drive of the game late in the first quarter.
Scrambling to his right on first down, Herbert picked a big gain on the ground for 38 yards to move the ball into the Saints’ territory. The 38-yard run marked the largest gain for Herbert on the ground in his career. And although the drive would once again stall out, the big play made sure Los Angeles was in position to take the lead with a field goal. Kicker Cameron Dicker, who has been exceptional this season and tallied much of the offense for Los Angeles, nailed a 46-yard field goal to put the Chargers ahead 3-2 early in the second quarter.
Three more punts, two by New Orleans and one by Los Angeles, followed the scoring drive from the Chargers. The Saints looked to take advantage of a promising possession after a 37-yard catch and run by star running back Alvin Kamara, a back who agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million extension in the past week, but the Charger defense stood its ground and received aid from an offensive holding penalty to halt any New Orleans attempt at scoring more points on the early second quarter drive. Then, midway through the second quarter, the Chargers offense finally seemed to find their stride. After
a first down pitch and catch from Herbert to Dobbins, Saints defensive tackle Nathan Sheperd appeared to twist the ankle of the quarterback well after the play was present in the backfield. In an effort to protect his quarterback, Chargers veteran center Bradley Bozeman sprinted and pushed Shepherd off of Herbert and continued to push the Saints defensive lineman into the turf. The two linemen both received unnecessary roughness penalties. Bozeman, who clearly felt the play was dirty, was awarded a game ball by head coach Jim Harbaugh after the game and celebrated by his teammates.
“It was probably one of the dirtiest plays I’ve ever seen,” Bozeman said, “You protect your quarterback no matter what. And I think any of our offensive linemen that was in my position would have done the same thing.”
The flare-up ignited Los Angeles, and Herbert led a 15-play, 90-yard scoring drive that would be capped
off by a Dobbins one-yard rushing score. Dobbins, the league’s 10th leading rusher even with the Chargers already having their bye, would finish his day with 17 carries for 57 rushing yards and the rushing score to go along with 4 catches for 11 receiving yards.
The Saints would respond with a field goal just before halftime, making sure the score going into the break was tight at a Charger 9-5 lead.
More punts followed as the third quarter began, as the Saints punted twice and the Chargers punted once despite a first-play 27-yard reception off of play action to wide receiver Joshua Palmer from Herbert.
Similarly, New Orleans would pick up a first down on their first play of the next drive just to punt the ball away three plays later, and the Los Angeles offense took the field once again still early in the third quarter.
Working off play-action on second down, Herbert
looked right and fired a pass to rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey went up and took the ball away from Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, creating a ton of open space for a potential catch-and-run opportunity. Using a slick cutback move towards the middle of the field, the Chargers’ leading receiver on the season raced into the endzone for the team’s second touchdown of the game on an exceptional 60-yard touchdown. The explosive sequence marked the longest scoring play of the season for the Chargers and gave them a 16-5 advantage.
“He’s a complete receiver. To have that short game, those intermediate routes that he’s been so good at especially on third down, and now you open up some of those “go balls” that you got to respect. For him to be able to line up anywhere, inside and outside, we got a true ballplayer on our hands,” said Herbert about McConkey.
After back-to-back punts, one from each team, New Orleans was able to cut the lead to one possession as they kicked a field goal to cut the Los Angeles lead to 16-8. The Charger defense would make sure that these were the last points the Saints offense would score the rest of the game.
Needing to make sure the Saints did not inch their way back into the game, the Chargers matched the field goal with one of their own. Thanks to a high-effort run by Dobbins that saw him break multiple tackles and a 45-yard pass to Palmer, Dicker was able to knock an easy 29-yard attempt through the uprights for a 19-8 lead early in the fourth quarter.
The next two Saints drives would be marked by another punt and a missed field goal, and a second touchdown reception for McConkey on an improvised play late in the fourth quarter truly put the game out of reach. McConkey’s big day saw him finish the game with 6 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
“Feels good anytime you get in the endzone, it’s a big deal. Just glad I was able to contribute for the guys today,”
This “Pair” Can Beat The Vikings
Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer The Los Angeles RAMS took on Minnesota at So-Fi Stadium. On the second play of the game QB Derreck Stafford dropped back and connected with Puka Nakua for a modest seven-yard gain. The crowd erupted like it was a game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl.
The giant roar was a welcome back from the crowd after the 2023 Rookie of the Year returned from a five-week absence due to an injury.
“My man Nacua, my classmate has come back strong as ever,” said DE Byron Young. Nacua was activated earlier that afternoon. He returned with teammate Cooper Kupp. The pair brought life to the offense in a 30 to 20 win over the Vikings in front of 72,127 fans at SoFi Stadium. Kupp and Nacua combined for 12 catches, 157 yards, and a touchdown that made them a taught pair to beat. Stafford had the best days of the season completing 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards, with four touchdowns and an interception. The 30 points were the most the team scored
in the entire season.
Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to extend the Rams’ lead. It was Robinson’s second touchdown of the game, capping an impressive 10-play, 70-yard drive by the Rams. Stafford spoke about the importance of having his most important targets back in the line-up as the Rams improved to 3-4 on the season.
“It’s what you envisioned (for this offense) when training camp started and it’s nice to have those guys back,” Stafford told reporters. “I said it earlier, but I really do think it was great for our entire team. It was great for our offense, obviously.
With just over 90 seconds remaining and the Rams leading by eight, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold looked to pass from his own endzone as he attempted to start a comeback drive.
Rams linebacker Byron Young sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold for a safety, sealing the Rams’ victory at SoFi Stadium.
It appeared Young got a piece of Darnold’s facemask when he pulled him down. No big deal because the play is not up for video review. Young even initially reacted as if he would be penalized
The Dodgers Lead the Freeman World Series
on the play, but the flag never came, effectively ending the game. “I thought I was gonna’ get called for a horse collar tackle\,” Young told RAMS radio sideline reporter Demarco Farr. After the game, lead official Tra Blake said the incident went unpenalized because none of his officiating crew had a clear look at it.
“The quarterback was facing the opposite direction from me, so I did not have a good look at it,” Blake told a pool reporter after the game, per ESPN. “I did not have a look, and I did not see the face mask being pulled, obviously.” ADD RAMS: Stafford (4,990) also passed Dan Marino (4,967) for ninth-most completions in NFL history.
Hogs Taylen Green and Rebels Suntarine
Camp Players of the Week
Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Taylen Green of Arkansas and Suntarine Perkins of Ole Miss were chosen Walter Camp Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for the final week in October 2024.
Quarterback Green had a career day in Arkansas’ 58-25 victory against Mississippi State. He was 23-of30 (76.7%) passing for 314 yards, a career-high five touchdowns. Green also rushed 8 times for 79 yards and one touchdown. He was the first Arkansas quarterback to throw for five touchdowns and rush for a touchdown in a single game since 2010.
He also became the first Razorback quarterback to throw for 5 touchdowns and rush for a touchdown since QB Ryan Mallett (5 passing + 1 rushing) against UTEP in 2010. He recorded the seventh 300-yard passing game by a Razorback against Mississippi State. Green is the sixth Razorback quarterback and the first since QB Austin Allen in 2016 to pass for 300 yards through the air in a game against the Bulldogs.
“They did a great job of getting open and knowing the matchups against the linebackers. They are always in play, whether it is the first second, or third read. I try to
Taylen
10
day in Arkansas’ 58-25 victory against Mississippi State.
do my part in going through my progressions and getting them the ball.” The redshirt junior said when asked about his tight ends. Green became the second Arkansas quarterback in the Sam Pittman era to rush for five or more touchdowns in a season, joining KJ Jefferson who accomplished the feat in 2021 and 2022. “It means a lot. I feel like our coaching staff and everybody does a great job preparing us for the environment and the atmosphere. Me and Andreas (Paaske) are transfers so we never played here in this atmosphere. I heard a lot about the cowbells and I feel like our preparation got us ready for this game.” The Lewisville, Texas native is the sixth Arkansas player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors, and the first offensive honoree since Ryan Mallett (Sept. 19, 2010). On the defensive side, Perkins was all man posting 11 tackles, 5.0 of which were for a loss, and 4.0 coming via the quarterback sacks in Ole Miss’ 26-14 victory against Oklahoma. The 4.0 sacks were the most by any individual Rebel defender since 1993.
Attendance for the game was 67,926, the largest crowd in Vaught-Hemingway history. It’s the third consecutive week the Ole Miss attendance record has been reset. Walter Camp is known as “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries, and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation (www.waltercamp.org) – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This is the 21st year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation has honored one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. It is the nation’s longest-running Player of
Los Angeles wide receiver Ladd McConkey 15, catches his second touchdown in the second half of the Chargers’ 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Oct. 27th, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Quarterback
Green
had a career
Suntarine Perkins of Ole Miss 4 had 10 tackles vs OklamhomaQuarterback Taylen Green 10 had a career day in Arkansas’ 58-25 victory ag Quarterback Taylen Green
Todd Gurley was RAM legend of the gamePhoto - Earl Heath
Cooper Kupp (10) had 5 catches for 51 yards and a TDPhoto - Earl Heath
Puka Nakua 17 had 19 yards in receptions Photo - Earl Heath
Fall into Wellness Community Health Fair
By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer
Los Angeles, CA- West Los Angeles Community Development Corporation, Consolidated Board of Realtists, and UCLA Philipinos for Community Health presented the Fall Into Wellness Community Health Fair, on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
The 2024 Fall Into Wellness Community Health Fair was held at Consolidated Board of Realtists, 3725 Don Felipe Drive.
This event, from 10:00-2:00pm, provided free healthcare services and health educational for the community to address the health care inequities.
Attendees were able to access basic health services including blood pressure screenings, body mass index, glucose screenings, vision screenings and flu shots.
Health services were provided by Martin Luther King Healthcare, Allied Health, UCLA AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta, Basic Life Support Program), Bruin Vision Project, WACDC Wellness Center, and WACDC Community Assistance.
Rebuilding Together, Consolidated Board of Realtists, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, plus Housing Services were additional organizations on site.
DJ Gregg provided an eclectic soundtrack for the Fall Into Wellness Community Health Fair. Guests were treated to tacos, quesadillas, fried rice, and egg rolls courtesy of
Armstrong,
Consolidated Board
Trap Kitchen Food Truck. Some delightful cool and sweet treats of ice cream were provided courtesy of All Chill. Face painting and arts & crafts were available for kids. West Angeles Community Development Corporation is led by Dr. Belinda Allen, Executive Director. West Angeles CDC was founded in early 1994 as an outreach program of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, then a 15,000-member congregation in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. Dr. Lula Ballton and Bishop Charles E. Blake, together with Trustees of West Angeles Church, founded the CDC to expand the compassionate outreach and neighborhood development ministries of the church in the face of mounting problems of poverty and injustice in the surrounding community.
Lack of jobs, business investment, and affordable, decent housing, struggling schools, endemic homelessness, and gang activity were all signs that new, long-term improvements were needed. At the same time, new business and community-building activities had also begun and were growing. These signs were new life and hope on which to build. In January 1994, the CDC was incorporated as a nonprofit organization to bring together people and resources to help develop the community. The West Angeles Community Development Corporation (WACDC) Community Health Fair was established in 2019 to address the concerns of hundreds of service recipients in the Crenshaw District through collaboration with UCLA Philipinos for Community Health (PCH).
The Philipinos for Community Health (PCH) strives for improvement in the health of the community and for the creation of opportunities for the community to get involved in the care of their own health. PCH works with medical professionals, other health-related UCLA organizations, and businesses to hold health fairs for the Los Angeles community and they are currently involved in two major health fairs. Not only do (PCH), work in the local community, but they also raise funds through various projects that allow PCH to send medical supplies to the Philippines.
DJ Gregg,
Photo by Ricky Richardson
Lyric
44th President,
of Realtists, Photo by Ricky Richardson